A Note from Fatty About the Contest Winners: Congratulations to the big winners of the contest from last week!

Roger L, the winner of the custom-painted “FattyFly,” is yet another bike winner from New Jersey. I do not know why New Jersey-ites keep winning bikes. Maybe they are more likely as a populace to donate, and so the probability of their winning is higher? This photo is of Roger, evidently about to clear the water crossing. Roger says, however, “what you don’t see is me trying to dab a second after this photo is taken. Instead, my clipless pedals won’t let me out and I end up going for a swim. Those photos mysteriously vanished from the camera — the camera must have gotten wet. My trusty Gary Fisher Sugar let me down, maybe 29″ wheels would have been the trick.” Roger’s now faced with a conundrum: get the orange version of the FattyFly, or the pink? If it were my bike and I were choosing the colors, I’d go with the orange, but that’s just me. Feel free to help Roger out by weighing in on this very difficult choice in the comments. I’m sure he’ll take your advice under advisement.

David H, the winner of the Team RadioShack-autographed Trek Madone, is from Missouri. David’s bike is already on the way to him; he’ll have it in a few days. I have lost track of how many times people have said to me, “He sure as heck better not be planning to ride that thing.” Because, yeah, it’s definitely a collector’s item. David reports that “I’m a cyclocross fanatic and am a huge Richard Sachs and Jonathon Page fan.” And further, that he has “been riding and racing for 10 years and am the fastest 42 year old that lives on my street.”

Andrea S, the winner of the trip to see the Tour de France,is also from Missouri– but she doesn’t yet know she has won! You see, Andrea did not provide a phone number when she donated, and the email address she entered does not work. So, if you’re named Andrea S, and you donated, and you’re from Missouri, email me and prove to me you are therightAndrea by telling me your full name and address. And give me a phone number I can call, for pity’s sake.Update: Andrea has now checked in, and I have her contact info. Congratulations, Andrea!

Again, thanks to everyone who donated — with more than 3700 people donating reasonably small amounts of money — an average of around $35 — we were able to raise a huge — $135,000 — amount of money in a ridiculously short period of time. I can’t even begin to tell you how proud I am of my readers, who are evidently the most generous people in the world.

And now, onto the story.

Riding With The Shack, Part I – The Night Before the Ride

I could tell this was not going to be an ordinary trip before we even made it to baggage claim. (I say “we,” because as a beloved and increasingly famous and important cycling blog megastar, I deemed it necessary to bring along an assistant. The Runner would be acting in that capacity, though she was quite clear that her real reason for coming along was to accomplish one of her life objectives: to lick one of Lance Armstrong’s calves.)

You see, there was a guy — Glenn, of Capital Sports Entertainment — waiting there for us. And a cameraman (Daniel). They had a sign and everything.

(All photos from today’s post taken by Glenn Kasin, who is a great photographer as well as logistics guy and babysitter of award-winning superstar megabloggers)

We drove to the resort, talking the whole way. I of course had two very big questions on my mind:

What is the big surprise Johan has in mind for me?

What kind of ride was in store for me tomorrow?

They gave me no satisfaction — not even a hint — on the first question. For the second question, they did give me a hint: “Do you like lemons?”

A few years ago, that would not have been a very good hint. But that was then. Nowadays, it’s plenty. I got out my phone, went to the browser app, and did a search on “tucson lemon.” Within seconds, I knew that it’s actually Mount Lemmon (two “m’s”), which is both beautiful, and a monster of a climb.

We arrived at the parking lot, and while we were pulling out luggage, the second thing happened that made me realize this was going to be no ordinary trip: Johan Bruyneel — Director of Team RadioShack — walked up, shook my hand…and then gave me a big hug.

We talked for about ten minutes — him completely calm, me a stuttering swooning goofball.

I had just met Johan Bruyneel. Seriously. Furthermore, he told me that I hadn’t needed to bring a bike with me after all. They had decided to give me a bike to ride. “You mean loan, right?” I asked.

“No, this is for you to keep,” said Johan, offhandedly.

At which point I began to stutter, but I choose not to replicate that here.

“Seriously? Another one? This must be the big surprise you were talking about, right?”

“No, you’ll learn what that is tomorrow,” said Johan. He was enjoying this.

And so was I.

Dinner

I checked into my room — an extremely nice room, I should say; substantially nicer than a Motel 6, for example — and headed downstairs, where Johan waved me over to join him at his table.

Dinner was buffet style: pasta with marinara sauce, chicken, potatoes, salad. Exactly what you’d expect. We started eating before most of the team had arrived — dinner was buffet style.

Great job over the weekend, I guess most of us were hanging on to see how you fared…OK, its cyber peeping, like most things now adays, we hoped to see a train jump the tracks. But, you came through with flying colors.

First, I am willing to change my name to Andrea S. and move to Missouri if I can get that trip.

I didn’t win any of the awesome prizes but you should know that I thoroughly enjoyed participating.

This blog has proven that generosity truly is contagious. The 3 winners of your contest, the Zambian student recipients of the free bikes, and those who will benefit from the donations to the LAF are not the only ones who benefited. I suggest that everyone who participated by donating or following this contest this past week has benefitted. And it happened at the most wonderful time of year.

You do of course realize… this is like the cycling equivilant to “Rudy.” Right?

Been eating giant cookies… storing up for the Spring. By the number that I have been eating, nobody will be able to keep pace with me.

Next time you need an assistant when you get a once in a billion life times shot like this, keep me in mind. Qualifications: I get cranky on planes. I’m always late. I get lost easy. And I don’t look nearly as good in pictures as “the runner”. But I will carry gear like a pack mule.

RodgerL…I guess it depends on which color Team Fatty jersey you got…they HAVE to match. Who else has a jersey to match their bike? (well, not counting all the actual cycling team members)

Fatty…awesome series! I can’t imagine what a bumbling idiot I’d be in your position. How is someone supposed to act around the mega-stars? However, being as you ARE a megastar yourself…you are fitting right in!

And make sure you let us know (in advance) which ToC stage you will be attending. Hopefully I can make it to that one…(depends on which one…they are basicly SKIPPING the entire Central Coast this year! No Solvang TT?? What are they thinking?? It was GREAT here!)

I wondered what I would do if I won the signed Madrone. I don’t have a museum to show it off. Even if it wasn’t signed, it’s way to nice of a bike for someone at my fitness level. The best thing I could think of is to lend it to my LBS to put in the window in exchange for a big discount on another bike.

Ahh! How awesome?! I too am reading with a huge grin. I’m so excited for you and can’t imagine how much fun you had. Take your time stretching out this series because we want lots of pictures and play by play of every minute! Congratulations to us all for such an amazing accomplishment and to Johan and the team for being awesomely generous as well!

Fats, good on you buddy! I am very happy that you are getting to enjoy this great time. You deserve it after all that you’ve shared with us. Even if we are a bit jealous. Because you allowed us to share your hard times, I think I speak for all of us when I say that we are enjoying your good times even more. In the spirit of Prince, and after seeing the pics, would you consider changing your name to a symbol? You can’t be calling yourself fatty with a good conscience anymore. How about a symbol? I’m thinking “|” would work. If you’re leaning into a strong wind, you could use “/”. You are looking svelte my man. After your earlier blog post about riding for Shack; I would have to think that JB met you early to do some scouting. He probably doesn’t trust that that JV from Garmin isn’t sneaking around trying to replace Wiggins! Merry Christmas (former) big guy. Keep up the great things you are doing!

Fatty… glad you were living it up. It’s funny to think back when you stumble over every word in the presence of guys like Lance, Levi, Johan, etc. We’ve all been there… just don’t forget how to unclip on your ride and do an embarrassing, ever-so-slow tipover in front of them… how that would be BAD! :-)

If Lance can ride a bicycle with butterflies glue to it down the Champs-Élysées then there is no reason David can’t ride that Madone. I’m not sure what tax bracket most of your readers are in, but I could never afford a bike like that and would not pass up the opportunity to enjoy riding that rig on a daily basis.

Having lived my 28 years in Utah and now living in NJ I can say the reason why people in NJ keep winning is for one simple fact….we need something to cheer us up out here. However, having lived two years in Belgium I can confidently say that NJ is just like it (except for the french/flemish and les frites)so maybe Johan would like NJ.

I love that you’ve been able to take the things you love (cycling and your wife) and make such an awesome difference. Keep it going.

hmmmm, I think since I’m from Alaska and that is really, really cool, I should win the next prize. *wink*wink* :) hee hee Thank you SO much for giving us a couple updates of your amazing adventure. Can’t wait for more and can’t wait for the Tour of California! :) This is just so incredibly cool. I hope you expressed how thankful the Friends of Fatty are to Johan, Trek, etc. Absolutely awesome!

Wohoo, another winner from NJ. I’m sure Roger will enjoy the Singlefly as much as I do the Orbea. Of course Roger knows that he is now obligated to ride the Livestrong Challenge with Team Fatty in Philly. I’ll see you in Philly in August.

Congrats on epic new levels of coolness! (And a new ride.) But watch out, if you’re not careful VERSUS channel will come knocking on your door, asking if you want to be a correspondent for them. Heck, they might even want YOU to shave Bob Roll’s head next time. And welcome to California too–hope to see you here!

Congrats to all the winners–but with that much money raised, we all win.

Fatty- congratulations on your accomplishment and exciting weekend. I live in Tucson and Sunday morning I saw the team go by, headed east while I was riding west- it looked like fun (of course that was before you started climbing Mt. Lemmon- which I have not even attempted). I was looking for you and waved and yelled but you had already passed by). Sounds like a great adventure and I’m looking forward to more of the story.

Congrats to the winners!!!! You all ROCK!!! Enjoy your Fatty Schwag.
FC- I know how you feel when you talk about feeling a little awkward around the pros. When I worked Levi’s Granfondo, I was doing check in for the VIP line. I was helping this writer from Road Bike Action with his ride package so things got a little backed up. Finally finished I look up and guess who was next…Levi. I made him wait for his own ride. I sat there with this totally pathetic smile pasted to my face, stuttering like an idiot, dropping his ride package about 20 times. Which is so out of character for me. You know I am NEVER short for words. :-)
He was very nice and thanked me for being there and helping. But still I kept thinking, “Nice, you idiot. You made the Levi wait! Jeez!”
You, on the otherhand, are a world famous, cycling, megablogger, superstar, with amazingly huge quads. So I am sure they were just as nervous around you. In fact I am sure when you turned and went back your seat Horner said to Levi, “Man, he had jeans on and I could still see the outline of his quads. They ARE Giant.”
Can’t wait for the next post!!

Congrats to the winners, Roger I would have to say Pink. Question, Shouldn’t an official Fatty Fly be Rigid and Single Speed?
David, I have to admit I would more than likely remove my TV and just hang the bike on the wall and stare at it everyday.
Andrea, Have fun in France. Damn it.

CONGRATS TEAM FATTY AS WE WERE ALL WINNERS TO HAVE BEEN APART OF THIS. Ok, I did have another spot in my bedroom for the new bike but that is ok as with this we helped out alot of people and will continue to do so.

DHogan, you lucky dog! Wish I had your problem. Do you have another high-end bike? If so, this might be a great time for another auction! I’d definitely be in on another chance to win that sweet ride. But I’d actually have to ride it — my Trek is over 10 years old.

having met johan i am not surprised how easily you got along. he goes out of his way to put people at ease, as do the rest of the team. the attention to detail that these guys practice each day would surprise everybody.

the only time i have seen these guys act up is when some “journo” tries on a ” put down “. lance,levi and chris can put anyone at ease.

looking forward to your next episode. look at my poor blog inspired by yours and feel free to critisize the hell out of “it” .

Epic! I’m even more of a Shack fan, now. A genuinely warm greeting from Mr. Bruyneel, and then Mr. Armstrong practically tucks you in for the morrow (sweet lemmon drop dreams, Fatty). I too got the goofball grins, but ultimately it was the girly giggles that forced me to explain myself.

OK, I’m trying to figure out why everyone is going gaga from the “Elden got to meet Radio Shack” angle. Other than Lance and Johan, and the guy that has the cowboy blue jeans name, I don’t know who any of them are. All I know is they’re just a bunch of guys that get paid money to wear silly clothes and ride bikes. Fatty on the other hand is a famous blogger who has raised a lot of money for some great causes and made me laugh on some otherwise crummy days.
I say we all find the blogs of Radio Shackers (I’m sure a couple of them know what a blog is) and congratulate them on having the honor to meet fatty.
OK, with that schmooze in I’d also like to mention that I live in New Jersey. I’d gladly ride the second edition FattyFly, in pink, with purple snipe tires.

part one of, like, ten, right? i’m a glutton for vicarious delayed gratification.

congrats to the winners, btw. the guy who won the roadie saved me the conundrum of riding it or hanging it on the wall and buying one exactly like it to ride.

honestly, i would have ridden it at least once. a bike is not an objet purely d’art. even damien hirst’s bike got its day in the sun on the champs elysees, before becoming one of the highest priced 2-wheeled vehicles ever hocked. it just wouldn’t feel right if i’d put it on the wall and never got one trip to max-heart-rate city out of it. i hope it gets a chance to hum. i really do.

fatty you got your day. again, i am totally stoked to have helped. and i hope wherever that $135k goes, its utility is well amplified.

Elden,
Should something unforseen happen to “The Runner”, I would be more,[way, way, more] than happy to replace her, and lick one of Lance’s calves! Just thought you should know you have “options” when it comes to “Runners”!

In fact,I would bet that you would raise way,way more money than you did, if the prize were to be to lick one of Lance’s calves.
Just saying….in the future, it might “not be all about the bike” ~ it could be “all about the calves”!!

I thoroughly agree, a Lick Lance’s Calves raffle could bring in some serious $$ for the LAF!
Can’t wait to read more about this weekend, I’ve read this entry 10 times now & I have a big huge grin every time!

Love the first installment and am happy to have them spread out like the Twelve Days of Christmas, just as long as they are there in the morning when I get up so that I don’t have to obsessively keep checking back for the next one, which is what I did the whole weekend with twitter, etc. (Yes, I was that excited for you on the Tour du Fatty).

So glad you had a rock star weekend. That was the best part of donating.

For what it’s worth, I vote Pink (FLS) for the Fatty edition and I vote to clear coat (a seriously protective coat) the Madone and then Ride It Like You Won It!

At 9:17 am “Chris” referred to Team RadioShack as “TRS”.
When I got around to reading this, my first thing that came into my mind was the Tandy TRS-80 personal computer; my next thought was “Geez, I wonder if the team will be assigned the 80-series numbers in the Tour de France?”
My geekiness is showing…

If you followed any of the Fat Cyclist saga that I posted about last week, then you already probably know that he met all of the goals that Johan Bruyneel put before him, and had the opportunity to go ride……